Saturday, August 13, 2011

Muddling through the days...

and if I may say so, I'd rather be MOVED than waiting. But it's not up to me, and so I wait. I'm doing the Rainbow Scraps Challenge this year, and in addition to working with one color a month, I'm making an additional block for a dontation quilt. I chose the Shoo fly as it's quick, easy and works well with scraps. One block for each month won't do it, however, and I'm adding a 2nd and maybe 3rd as time goes by.
 I'm also playing along with Julie K's plaid quilt-a-long. Didn't realize I'm quite short of plaids! I love hers and to me it reads as warmer "fruity" kinds of colors. I'm lacking in those! But I'll muddle along and see what I can find.
 I couldn't resist jumping in when Amanda Jean, of crazy mom quilts, announced a 36 patch quilt-a-long. I had a jelly roll that I was itching to get used, not realizing you can't get the required number of 2.5" squares from one set of strips. Sooooo? What to do?, I scratched my noggin and opted for a 16 patch instead! I can make 2 of the 16 patches from one set of strips, and that will work just fine with the jelly roll. The one I'm using is Sandy Gervis's Merry and Bright, from a couple of Christmases ago. I won it in a giveaway.
 
And last of all, I want to thank you for all the lovely good wishes and happy thoughts you gave me when "the babies" arrived. Sadly, they returned to their former home and Mama cat late the next day. I knew it would be a rocky "go" with Ebby as she's so very damaged in the trust and comfidence department. I hoped she's come around to them gradually and even if she only tolerated them, it could work. Her reaction to "seeing" them in her house was quite spectacular, to say the least! I've never hear that many non-stop hisses come from one cat. She did a quantum dive under the bed, and 37 hours later she was still there. She ventured out a couple of times but the instant she saw them, it happened all over again. I tried to talk to her and reassure her, but all she could do was crouch and hiss at me. I felt certain she'd come out for water, litter box and food during the night(kittens slept in the carrier, locked in) but she didn't.
By early afternoon the next day, I knew she'd be in trouble if she didn't drink or relieve herself soon, and made the decision to return the kittens. Luckily I could do that. They were gone and things cleaned up by 4 0'clock, but it was nearly 8 that night before I looked down and saw her sitting by my chair. She was very skiddish the next 12 hours or so, and spent alot of time smelling every where they had been. By the next day, the 30th, she was gradually relaxing back into her old self. Jean and other friends who encouraged me to "give it a try" felt terrible, but I don't. I realize now that she's a unique case, and while I may not "like" what she's been stuck with, we are a couple of old ladies just "chillin'" together. If anything, she's calmer than before, and a bit more affectionate. Strangely enough, she seems to trust me more...go figure!
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12 comments:

Amy said...

You have some cute projects in the works. I have some of the Merry and Bright fabrics and they look cute in your 16 patch blocks.

scraphappy said...

Great Shoofly blocks! They look so bright and crisp with the white background. I've seen so many different takes on the 36 patch challenge, mostly like you, people were hoping to use a jelly roll or width of fabric strip. So many fun quilt alongs and so few hours in the day.

Scrappy quilter said...

You've been busy. I'm working on white blocks right now too, along with the Christmas quilt-along. I never seem to run out of things to do when it comes to quilting. Those kittens are so cute. Hugs

Quilter Kathy said...

Love all your projects! The yellow Shoo fly just sparkle in the collection! Your 16 patch blocks are very pretty too!

AnnieO said...

Great idea to make an extra block or two to put into your charity quilt--it will definitely brighten someone's day :)

I resisted the 36 patch too--love your adaptation using Sandy's designs. I just love her fabrics.

So sorry the dear little kittens upset your Ebony terribly. That is not good for any of you! Glad she came out of it appreciating you more :)

julieQ said...

I really love your plaid blocks, Finnie! Poor Ebby...she must have really had a tough former life...I am glad she is with you!

Clare said...

Love those plaid strings.

Sorry to read about the kittens, but Ebby was there first and you were right to return them to their former home. She might of fled, never to return which would have been dreadful for both of you.

Hugs
xxxx

Angie said...

There you are, dear Finnie, I've had you on my mind a lot lately, wondering about the move, and wondering if you were able to integrate the kitties. That can be an extremely difficult thing to do with cats. They, in some ways, seem to be much more territorial with their humans and their spaces than dogs. I was afraid that might not work out. However, I'm so happy for you that Ebby seems even closer to you now. :D I love your projects, as I always do. :)

Hedgehog said...

Sorry it didn't work out with the kittens. Love the photos of your current projects!

Jan Maree said...

Love your blocks and projects so far - I will be checking in to see your progress! Sorry to hear about the trauma with the kittens and Miss Ebby - tho it has got me thinking - if I brought in a could of extra kids for a day or so do you think my teenagers might end up appreciating me more? Couldn't be that lucky I suppose....

Greenmare said...

I love love LOVE every one of these tops!!!! they are wonderful!!!!

Purple Pam said...

I like your new projects. They are so bright and cheerful. Too bad about the kittens. I'm glad Ebby is okay.